- Dental Examination
- X-raysOur practice utilizes state-of-the-art, small volume cone-beam CT (computed tomography) technology that provides highly accurate, 3-D radiographic images for the diagnosis, planning and treatment of endodontic disease. This allows three-dimensional visualization of teeth, bone, sinuses and surrounding structures with minimal radiation to the patient, enabling a level of anatomical accuracy and patient care not possible with 2-D technologies (regular dental x-rays). With the addition of cone-beam CT technology to our office, our practice is committed to providing innovative, high-quality, patient care.
- Teeth CleaningPlease alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics, for pre-med.)
- Fillings
- VeneersNot all cracks or fractures develop or manifest in the same way. For example, superficial chips may affect only the protective enamel. In these cases, cosmetic bonding or veneers may be appropriate to add strength and cover up the chipped surfaces. However, untreated, chronic tooth grinding (bruxism) and other trauma or injuries to the tooth can affect the enamel and underlying dentin. The innermost parts of the tooth (the pulp) may become inflamed. Pulp inflammation or infection requires root canal treatment. A tooth may also be vulnerable to fractures if it is weakened. A tooth may weaken due to enamel erosion, decay, or repeated dental procedures. Less severe cracks or wear and tear to the tooth structure can be effectively treated with dental restorations, such as simple fillings.
- CrownsYour tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, your endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post and core build-up inside the tooth. Your restorative dentist and endodontist will determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal TreatmentOur team of highly accomplished endodontists and outstanding support staff work together with a unified passion for helping referring dentists and their patients by restoring teeth to a healthy condition through a root canal procedure. Our dedication, experience, and support are evident by our track record serving the community for over 18 years and helping thousands of patients gain confidence in root canal treatments. We understand that a combination of great skills, first-class bedside manners and affordability are the key for patients to choose a root canal vs an extraction. We want you to keep your tooth and will do everything our expertise and knowledge permits us to make that happen!
- ApicoectomyAlso known as “root-end resection,” apicoectomy is the most common surgery administered by endodontic specialists. We use advanced diagnostic imaging and sophisticated surgical instruments, such as endodontic microscopy, to plan your treatment in exacting detail. The process primarily involves accessing the underlying bone. Comfort is supported throughout treatment with our minimally-invasive techniques and precision anesthetic. We are also happy to discuss other methods to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery. As its nickname suggests, the ends of troublesome tooth roots are removed. Surrounding inflamed tissues are also removed during treatment. The treated areas are then sealed off with small fillings. Incisions made to access the bone are closed. These final steps promote healthy healing of the bone around the treated roots in the following months.
- Deep CleaningThis is just the tip of the iceberg as far as root canal treatment-related misconceptions go. We also encourage you to think of root canal therapy more in terms of an efficient “deep cleaning” for the inside of the tooth. It is also an affordable, tooth-preserving alternative to time-consuming and costly restorative treatments.
- Oral Surgery
- Tooth ExtractionsFalse! For starters, a mature tooth does not need the pulp tissue. It is structurally sound without it, and so no. Also, dental extractions or teeth removal should always be a last resort. There is no other type of tooth that is superior in form and function from the “real thing.”
- General DentistryAfter graduating from dental school, he returned to California to expand his clinical skills by completing a General Practice Residency at Jerry Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, CA. He then practiced in California and Washington as a general dentist for the next 14 years. During that time, he served as the dental director at Seattle Indian Health Board and assistant dental director at International Community Health Services, where he also served as a clinical director of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program.